Machine for washing dishes and other articles



1 Aug 927 E. L. COUCH MACHINE FDR WASHING DISHES AND OTHER ARTICLES Orizinal Filad Aug. 1. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 30, 1927. 1,640,693 E. L. COUCH MACHINE FOR WASHING DISHES AND OTHER ARTICLES Original Filed Aug. 1, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 g E. L. COUCH MACHINE; FOR WASHING DISHES AND OTHER ARTICLES Original Filed Aug. 1. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1927. Aug E. COUCH MACHINE FOR WASHING DISHES AND OTHER ARTICLES Aug. 1. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Aug. 30, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ELDER! II COUCH, F MAMARONECK, NEVI YORK, ASSIGNOR T0 COLTS PATENT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

MACHINE FOB WASHING DISHES AND OTHER ARTICLES.

Application filed August 1, 1921, Serial No. 488,819. Renewed December 9, 1926.

The invention generally relates to dishwashing machines of the class in which the soiled dishes or other articles to be washed are caused to travel horizontallythrough the machine and are subjected to washing operations during such movement. Preferably the dishes are moved through the machine b means of an endless conveyor, and if desired, this conveyor may be of open work construction so that the dishes can be placed directly upon it. When such a conveyor is provided, it passes at its ends over rotating cylinders or drums.

The casing of the machine forms at least one and preferably two or more substantially enclosed divisions in which the dishes or articles are washed, rinsed, dried and sterilized by bein exposed, while carried by the conveyor t rough said divisions, to sprays of washing liquid and of hot water and steam forced from above upon them and also from below against them through the openings in the conveyor. A machine of the.

type to which the invention relates includes atank which maybe divided into compartments for containing the washin liquids and it also includes pump means for withdrawing the liquids from th tank or from the compartn cnts thereof and delivering the said liquids to suitable spray devices from which they are directed against the dishes or other articles as they are moved by the conveyor. The liquids after engaging the dishes or other articles are returned by gravity to the tank so that the said liquids are continuousl circulated.

In accor ance with one phase of the invention, the clean dishes or articles on their exit from the machine are received upon a receiving-shelf, one ed e of which is arranged m close roximlty to the conveyor where the latter 1s sup orted by one of the aforesaid cylinders or diums. The top surface of the said shelf is inclined outward and downward, thus serving to guide the clean dishes from the conveyor to stands or tables convenient for their nal removal.

With such a shelf, there is danger that a broken dish or a piece of hard refuse, such as a bone, may become jammed between the cpnveyor and the shelf. One of the objects of the invention is to provide means whereby the said shelf u on being so engaged or jammed is move to a limited extent and vide in a machine of the class described a manually operable means for controlling the starting and stopping of the conveyor, preferably independently of the pump means which so ply liquids to the spray devices. In accor ance with the invention, the said automatically acting shelf controlled means is preferably combined with the manually operable means so as to obtain important advantages as hereinafter'full described.

Still another object of the invention is to provide adevice for finally sterilizing the dishes and to provide in conjunction with such sterilizing device means for automatically cutting ofi the supply of sterilizing fluid thereto when the conveyor ceases to function for the purpose of carrying dishes past the said device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide improved means for containing and controlling the washing liquids, this means including a tank'or rece tacle for the said liquids located at the si e of the conveyor and so located in relation to the other parts of the machine that certain'important advantages are obtained as hereinafter fully described.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved pump means and an improved mountin therefor, in combination with other parts 0 the machine.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an, improved cooperative relationship between the pump and conveyor driving mechanism.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and claims.

Of the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a dish-washing machine of the class referred to, in which portions of one side wall of the casin of said machine have been removed thus c early exposingto view the improved interior construction of the machine and Fig. 2 is a top, view of said machine.

Fig. 3' is a side elevation of one end portion of the machine drawn on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view on the same scale as Fig. 3, this view being taken along the line 44 of Fig. 3. v

Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the portion of the machine represented in Fig. 3 drawn on the same scale and looking at it from the left end, this view being partly in section. Fig. 6 is a top view of the end portion shown in ig. 5 drawn on the same scale.

Fig. 7 is an end view of a lower portion of Fig. 5, but with certain members of the mechanism left away, and drawn on a still more enlarged scale. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the mechanism represented in Fig. 7 drawn on the same scale. Fig. 9 shows in detail and ona still more enlarged scale certain portions of the mechanism represented in 8.

The machine comprises a main casing 1 which is, or may be, formed of sheet metal and which is preferably generally rectangular in form. The casing is supported in a relatively elevated position by means of a suitable frame structure which as shown comprises two separate frame units or pedestals 1 and 1 located near .the ends of the machine. Means is provided for continuously moving the dishes or other articles to be washed thorugh the casing 1, and preferably this means is in the form of an endless conveyor 10 which is supported upon drums 11 and 12. The details of the conveyor may be varied but preferably Lprovide a conveyor having a continuous open work link structure upon which the dishes may, if desired, be directly supported.

Preferably the casing is divided into a plurality of divisions for washing, rinsing, and drying and sterilizing, respectively numbered 2, 3 and 4 in the drawings. The necessary washing liquids are supplied under strong pressure to the said divisions through the pipes 5, 6 and 7 and their sprayin terminals or devices 5, 5*, 6, 6* and 7", T located respectively above and below the upper run of the conveyor. Pump means as indicated at 8, 8 are provided for supplying the liquids under pressure to the said spraying terminals or devices.

In accordance with prior practice as disclosed in my reissued patent for apparatus for cleaning articles No. 14,007, dated Nov. 9, 1915, the endless conveyor belt was supported and guided by four cylinders or drums, one at the receiving end and another at the delivery end of the machine. The tops of these two drums thus supported the conveyor in the horizontal plane in which it assed lengthwise through the machine while 111 operation. From the drum at the delivery end of the machine the conveyor passed vertically downward and under the third drum located at a lower portion of the machine, and from this drum horizontally under the fourth drum from which it passed upward to the first drum at the receiving end of the machine again. One or each of the upper drums supporting the conveyor had upon its end an integral gear connected through a pinion and other gearing with the driving mechanism of the machine.

- Between the upper and. lower horizontal portions of the conveyor the tank for the washing liquid was located entirely within the main casing of the machine. The said tank thus being vertically under the operative ortion of the conveyor received the washing liquid after the same had washed the dishes on the conveyor and therefore also received portions of the solid ofli'al and other refuse; and consequently screens had to be placed on or over the tank to receive'the refuse so as to permit the liquid to be again used. \Vhen the screens became clogged by the offal and refuse upon them they had to be taken out of the machine for cleaning. This necessary more or less frequent removal of the screens from the machine was found to be diflicult and impractical on account of their location within the casing.

In the present improved machine the conveyor 10, consisting of an endless chain of numerous metallic links each carrying projections of a softer substance, as fully disclosed in my prior patent for belt, No. 1,313,266, dated August 19, 1919, is supported and guided by two drums only, one 11 of which is mounted at the receiving end of the machine and the other 12 at the dclivery end. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3 thedrum 12 is provided with notched flanges for engaging the link rods of the conveyor, and the rotation of the drum 12 thus serves to drive the conveyor 10 through the machine, while the drum 11 serves to guide and firmly support the conveyor at the receiving end of the machine and thereby prevents the upper portion of the conveyor from sinkin or sagging under the weight of the dishes 01' articles carried through the machine in operation.

In order to avoid the difliculty incident to machines of the older type, I have provided a tank for the washing liquid which is located at one side of the conveyor in position to receive the liquid after it has engaged the articles on the conveyor but which is nevertheless easily accessible for inspectien or for the removal of screens. The tank is below the level of at least the upper run of the conveyor and is preferably separate from the casing. A suitable shield or plate, preferably laterally inclined, is provided for directing into the tank the liquids discharged against the articles on the corveyor and falling therefrom. The tank is shown at 16 at one side of the casing 1 and the casing has an opening 15 in the adjacent side Wall thereof. to permit the liquid to flow from the casing into the tank. The

ing of a. single sheet metal plate but it will.

be understood that I do not necessarily so limit myself. Preferably, the shield 15 is above the lower run of the conveyor, that is, between the upper run and the lower run. This position of the shield enables it to protect the lower run of the conveyor so that i the washing liquid and the refuse therein cannot fall upon it.

The shield 15 is limited in length, to the length of the opening 15 and of the tank 16. Preferably auxiliary guide plates 15,

'15 are provided at the ends of the main shield 15, these being longitudinally inclined to direct onto the said main shield 15 any drippings from the end portions of the upper run of the conveyor.

When the shield 15 is located as described above, a second plate or shield 15 is preferably also provided below the said lower run of the conveyor. This second shield 15* may be and preferably is the bottom wall of the main casing. The second shield 15 also extends to the opening 15 s-o that liquids falling upon it will also be discharged through the said opening into the tank 16. I preferably also provide auxiliary drip pans 15, 15 under the end portions of the conveyor, these pans being arranged to discharge onto the shield 15*.

Extending across the tank 16 near the top thereof are readily removable screens 16 which are adapted to catch refuse and to prevent the said refuse from passing with the cleansing liquid into the lower portion of the tank. Inasmuch as these screens are at the side of the casing and are not under the conveyor, they arereadily accessible for inspection or for removal.

Preferably, the tank 16 is provided with a cover 16 which is movable-to permit access to the tank and to permit inspection or removal of the screens 16'. The cover 16 is preferably inclined as shown and it is hinged at one side, as for instance at 16", 16 at the lower side. It will be observed that the construction and mounting of the cover 16 not only permit access to the interior of the' tank and the screens-16 but it also permits access to the shield 15, in order that the said shield may be cleaned, if necessary.

The tank 16 is provided at its bottom with outlet pipes and valves for drawing from it or for at will discharging its contents, and at a. convenient higher level it is provided with valves and pipes for admitting to it fresh liquids and also steam for heating the same, as shown in Figs. 2 and As already stated the machine is preferably divided into a plurality of distinct washing divisions, as for instance three such divisions. When there are three divisions the tank 16 is provided with two transverse partitions 16, 16 dividing it into three separate compartments.

In order that the several bodies of washing liquids may be kept distinct, so far as possible, I preferably provide transverse partitions 15, 15 projecting upward from the plate .15 and approximately registering respectively with the partitions 16", 16 in the tank 16. Preferably other partitions 15, 15 project downward from the top of the main casing, these partitions being respectively vertically about the partitions 15, 15. These partitions 15, 15 and 15, 15 reduce to a minimum the mixing of the several bodies of washing liquids in the main casing.

The location of the tank 16 outside of the main casing allows the pump means and the driving mechanism of the machine to be mounted centrally just below the convevor 10.

Vhen the machine is divided into distinct washing divisions as shown and described,

the pump means comprises a corresponding number of divisions. As shown, there is a. single main pump shaft 51, and on this shaft are secured a plurality, in this case three, of impellers 8, 8. Casing means 8", 8 are provided for separately enclosing the several impellers and for forming separate pump chambers. I have shown entirely separate pump casings 8", 8. connected in fixed relation to each other by a common supporting plate 8, the latter preferably being carried by the main pedestals 1" and 1*. While I have shown separate pump casings connected'by a common supporting plate, it will be understood that I do not necessarily so limit myself, as the basic concept, as concerns this phase of the invention, is that there be a single pump mechanism with a plurality of impellers on a common shaft and enclosed in separate pump chambers.

The several pump chambers are suitably connected respectively with the compartments of the tank 16 and they are also con nected respectively with the aforesaid pipes- 5, 6 and 7 which lead to the spray devices in the several washing divisions. Thus each body of washing liquid is circulated independently of each other body of washing liquid. ,It is withdrawn from a compartment of the tank 16 by the corresponding division of the pump means, it is forced through the corresponding pipe 5, 6 or 7 t0 the spray devices and against the dishes or other articles on the conveyor, and it is end of the machine.

then returned by gravity laterally along the shield 15 into its own compartment in the tank 16.

Opposite the pipes 5, 6 and 7 and the spray devices and above the tank 16, the main casing 1 is preferably provided with an inspection opening 1 which is normally closed by an openable door 1.

The shaft 51 has directly connected with it a second shaft 51 for a purpose to be described. Any suitable driving mechanism may be provided for the pump means, but as shown the driving mechanism consists of two electric motors and 50', one at each The shaft of each motor is provided at its inner end with a flangeconpling, and the main shafts 51 and 51"- of the machine carry at their respective ends corresponding flange-couplings by which the main shafts 51 and 51 may at will be connected with either one of the two motors, thereby allowing repairs to be made when necessary in one motor while the machine is being driven by the other motor. In Fig. 5 the motor 50 under the delivery .end of the machine has been removed in order to bring into view other parts.

Preferably mechanism is provided whereby the drivin mechanism for the pump can also serve to drive the conveyor. As shown, the shaft 51 forms a part of a speed reducing power transmitting mechanism, and it carries a screw-worm engaged with a wormgear on the inner end of the transverse shaft 52, which has on its outer end a bevelpinion in mesh wth a bevel-gear on the counter-shaft 53. one end of which shaft and the bevel-gear thereon being mounted in the bracket-bearing 54. while the Bother end of the shaft 53 extends toward bdt not quite up to the bearing 55 in which a similar but separate shaft 53 is mounted in alignment p with the shaft 53. 1* preferably provide means for starting and stopping the operation of the conveyor, and, when the conveyor and pump are driven from a single drivlng means, the said starting and stopping means preferably takes the form of a clutch interposed in the train of mechanism between the driving means and the conveyor. As illustrated adjacent ends of the two shafts 53 and 53 are not in contact, but upon each of them a clutch-disk is secured having radial projections and recesses thereby providing a clutch 44 by which the rotation of the shaft 53 may be transmitted to the shaft 53". For at will effecting this transmission or interrupting it the clutch-disk on the shaft 53 has on its side a hub with an annular groove therein, and above the hub a bifurcated clutch-shifter 23 is pivotally mounted, each of its branches having near its lower end an inward projection for engaging the groove in the hub of the clutch-disk.

The shaft 53 carries on its outer end a bevel gear in mesh with another bevel gear fixed upon the lower end of a short vertical shaft which carries upon its upper end a bevel pinion in mesh with the integral bevel gear upon the end-face of the drum 12, whereby rotary movement is transmitted from the shaft 53 to the drum 12, and by the notched flanges of the drum the lengthwise movement of the chain conveyor is effected. The portion of the shaft 53' beyond the hearing 55 and the bevel gear thereon, as also the vertical shaft and the lower bevel gear on the same, and the bevel pinion thereon meshed with the gear on the drum 12, are all seated within and covered b a casin shown as formed integrally with the pe estal 1". It will be noted that by reason of the direct connection of the shafts 51 and 51, the same driving mechanism serves for both the pump means and for the conveyor.

The clean dishes on their exit from the washing, rinsing and sterilizing divisions of the machine are or may be engaged b a suitable device which is preferably in t e form of an outwardly inclined receiving-shelf 17 If the inner edge of the shelf were too close to the outside surface of the conveyor 10 on the drum 12 the projecting ends of the insertions in the links of the chain-conveyor would be liable to strike against the edge of the shelf. Moreover, if by accident an forei n bodies such as a hard piece of 0 al or a ish-cloth were placed with the dishes upon the conveyor and by it carried against the edge of the shelf, the free and ra id operation of the machine would be inter cred with. For these reasons it is absolutely necessary to allow a considerable opening for clearance between the projections on the conveyor and the inner edge of the receiving-shelf. With such increased opening, however, small ieces of crockery such as small butter dishes and the like are liable to be carried by the conveyor against or under the ed e of the re ceiving shelf 17 and there get roken and discharged into the offal trough below the shelf.

In order to prevent damage to the machine and breakage of crockery, and possible injury to the hands of the operator if he should attempt to remove any foreign bodies or small pieces of crockery when the same are carried against the edge of the receiving shelf 17 novel automatic safety devices for controlling the operation of the machine are provided, which will now be described.

For the foregoing purpose an automatic stop device is provided, the said shelf 17 preferably being made relatively movable in order that it ma serve as sucha device. As shownthe shelf is pivotally movable and has numerous parallel grooves in its inclined upper surface and the shelf is rigidly fastened to the top of the transverse bar 18 located under the shelf and between the sides of the frame 1 Both ends of the bar 18 are bent at right angles to form arms which extend downward to the rod 19 which is fixed at each end in the sides of the frame 1. Thus the rod 19 serves as a fulcrum upon which the bar 18 with the shelf 17 may turn outward and downward. Above the rod 19 the two downwardly extending arms of the bar 18 are interconnected by a transverse staybolt 20'the shouldered and riveted ends of which bind the arms together and stiffen them, thereby giving inflexibility to the bar 18 and its arms. Two springs 41 tend to hold the shelf in its normal position close to the conveyor.

The stopping-lever 22 is pivotally mounted on the side of the frame and firmly connected with the clutch-shifter 23 in the frame, an outwardly projecting hub on the ably in the form of a foot treadle positioned to be operated by the foot of an operator engaged in removing dishes or other articles from the machine at the delivery end there: of. Preferably the foot treadle and the shelf mechanism are closel interrelated as will now be described in etail.

Near the outer end of the lever arm 22 are two holes in which are located respectively pivot bolts 26 and 27. The pivot bolt 26 serves to attach the aforesaid latch 28 to the lever-arm, the latch 28 being secured thereon by a split pin. The pivot bolt 27 and a split pin serve to similarly attach a yoke 29 to the lever-arm, from which yoke an integral cylindrical piston-rod 30 extends downward. The lower portion of this piston rod 30 fits a hole in the upper end of a link 31 which extends downward a considerable dis- 20 clutch-shifter 23 serving asapivot by passing t ance and is at its lower end pivotally at- A latch 28 is provided havin through bosses on the frame and carrying fixed on its outer end the stopping-lever 22, whereby the movements of the stoppinglever 22 are positively transmitted to the clutch-shifter 23.

One arm of the stopping-lever 22'extends along the side of the frame toward the end of the same and passes freely under a fiat loop 25 attached to the side of the frame which limits the movements of the lever-arm in the vertical direction. Preferably the end of this lever arm rojects some distance beyond the end of t e frame of the machine,

at the projecting portion is bent at right angles first inward for a short distance toward the center of the machine and then a. second time making its end portion parallel to the axis of the machine.

A suitable means, such as a spring 40, is provided which tends to move the lever 22 in the direction to disengage the clutch 44.

an end portion'42 which engages a shoul or 43 to hold the lever 22 against movement under the action of the spring 40.

In order that the shelf 1? may function, as already described, to stop the conveyor, I provide means whereby the shelf upon movement serves to release the latch 28. As

shown in Figs. 5, 7, 8 and 9 the right hand end of the bar 18 extends downward and rearward beyondthe fulcrum 19 and carries L at its lower end an out-ward extending stud 21. This stud projects into a. slot in the latch 28. When the shelf is moved outward as described in the direction of travel of the conveyor the stud 21 disengages the latch 28 from the shoulder 43 and the spring 40 thereupon moves the lever 22 to disengage the clutch 44 and sto the conveyor.

I preferably provi e a. mannallybperahle lever for eflecting the tarting an stopping of the conveyor, and t is lever by preference performs its function by means of the clutch 44 already described. The lever is prefertached to a crank-arm 32 fixed upon the outer end of the treadle-arbor 33.

The treadle-arbor 33 is journaled at its ends in the bracket-bearings 39 attached to the ends of the sides of the main frame, but one of the arbors ends projects beyond its bearing and has fastened upon it the crankarm 32 to which the depending link 31 is pivotally attached.

At its center the treadle-arbor 33 asses through a sleeve 38 which is fitted tightly upon the arbor 33 and is provided on its rear face with two set screws for fixing said sleeve immovably upon the arbor 33.

From the sleeve 38 an lntegral arm 37 projects downward and carries a second sleeve 36 with a rectangular opening through it. -A treadle 34 is located near the floor line below the extreme end of the machine and from this treadle a rectangular treadle-bar 35 extends into and through the sleeve 36 transversely to the arbor 33 which sleeve carries on its side a set screw by which the treadle bar 35 may be adjusted and fixed in said sleeve 36, thereby also adjusting the position of the treadle 34. 7

When the receivingshelf 17 and the bar 18 are in the upper operative position with the inner edge of the shelf sufficiently clear and out of the path of the conveyor and its projections, they are held there by the tension of the two sprin 41. In this pos1- tion the lowest rtion o the right hand arm of the bar 18 low the fixed fulcrum bar 19, holds the laterally projecting stud 21 so that said stud 21 occuples the lower part of the aforesaid slot cut for its reception in the inner face of the latch 28. In this position the end 42 of the outer side of the latch 28 rests upon the said shoulder 43 which is formed on the link 31.

With the end 42 of the latch 28 resting upon this shoulder 43 on the link 31, as just" described, thedownward movement ofthe treadle 34 under the pressure of the foot of the operator upon it is transmitted through the treadle-bar and -sleeve to the arbor 33 rotating the arbor. Through the crank 32 the rotation is changed to a movement in the upward direction transmitted to the link 31, and by the link to the latch 28, and by said latch to the arm of the stopping-lever 22, thus raising this lever-arm and through the movement of the clutch-shifter 23 causing the rotary movement of the driving mechanism to be transmitted to the drum 12 and by the drum to move the chain-conveyor 10. It will be apparent that the operator by pressing the treadle 34 downward canstart the operation of the conveyor and thatthe said treadle will be moved upward to stop the operation of the conveyor upon being released by the operators foot. This upward movement is effected automatically by means of the beforementioned spring 40 which is assisted by the weight of the projecting end of the lever 22 and of the link 31 and associated parts.

If now the receiving-shelf 17 and the bar 18 are forced outward and downward, see dotted lines in the upper portion of Fig. 8 indicating this outward and downward movement of the shelf 17 and of the bar 18, by a foreign body on the conveyor carried against the edge of the shelf, the lower end of the bar 18 will move away from the link 31 and through the stud 21 it will also move away the latch 28 from the link 31 thus automatically withdrawing the end 42 of the latch from the shoulder 43 on the link 31. This withdraws the support of the arm of the stopping-lever upon the link 31 with the result that the stopping-lever arm will fall downward under the weight of it and of the parts attached to it augmented by the tension of the spring 40 until the lower face of the yoke 29 attached to the stopping-lever by the pivot bolt 27 strikes upon the top of the tube 31. See dotted lines in Fig. 9 representing the lowered osition of the stopping lever arm and of the atch 28 and of the yoke 29 connected with the lever. The upper portion of the slot 'in the latch 28 receivin the stud 21 on the bar 18 continues hol the latch away from the link 31dur1ng the downward movement of the arm'of the stopping-lever 22.

The downward movement of the lever arm'under its weight and the tension of the spring 40, as just described, moves the clutch-shifter 23 so as to break the connectipn by the clutch between the driving mechanism and. the drum 12 and thereby automatically stop the transmission of the rotary movement to said drum and also stop the movement of the chain-conveyor 10. The

said lever 22 and the said spring 40 together constitute means for operatlng the starting and stopping means, that is, the clutch, to

stop the conveyor upon therelease of the latch 28 by the shelf as already described.

In order to prevent the downward movement of the arm of the stopping-lever 22 with the pawl 28 and the yoke 29 from becoming so violent as to be liable to in'ure parts of this mechanism, the lower on of the piston rod 30 and the hole in the link 31 are constructed to operate like the parts of a dash pot. a

On the withdrawal of his foot from the trcadle 3% by the operator to enable him to clear away the interfering foreign bodies upon the conveyor, which he can safely do while the movement of the conveyor is stopped, the treadle 34 remains in its lower position, thus serving as an indication that the clutch is disengaged and that the shelf 17 is probably obstructed. After the operator has removed the obstruction and has thus permitted the shelf to return to normal position he can restore the foot treadle connection b lifting the 'said treadle. When the trea le is so moved the crank-arm and the link 31 are moved downward. Under the action of the two springs 41 in restoring the receivingshelf 17 and the bar 18 to the operative position, the latch 28 is brought into the path of the shoulder 43 on the link 31. When 'then the operator again depresses the treadle with his foot the conveyor is started as already described. It will be'observed, however, that the operator cannot start the conveyor until the shelf obstruction has been removed and the shelf has returned to normal position.

, Preferably, in addition to the main bodies of washing liquid, operating in the respective washing divisions as already described, the machine preferably includes means for finally delivering a sterilizing fluid, such as steam, against the dishes or other articles just before they leave the machine. For this purpose, I have shown a supply pipe 9 which 18 connected with a spray means 9 so located as-to deliver the'fiuid against the dishes after the have passed beyond the range of action 0 the sprayjmeans 7 and 7".

The supply connection to the pipe 9 is through a valve 24. In association with the valve 24, I preferably provide means whereby the valve is automatically maintained in its open position while the conveyor operates to carry dishes past the said spraying means 9 and for automatically causing the valve to move to its closed position. The means for automatically controlling the flow of the sterilizing fluid can be varied in construction, but I prefer to utilize for this purpose the same mechanism which has already been described for the purpose of operating the clutch 44 for starting and stopping the conveyor. The valve 24 is so constructed that it automatically tends to move to its closed position when permitted to do so. It is revided with a stem 24' by means of w ieh it can be held in open osition. In the construction as shown an as preferred. the before mentioned lever 22 is provided with a flange 22" which carries an adg'ustable screw 22* adapted to engage the a oresaid valve stem 24'. When the lever 22 is in the position shown in Fig. 3, the screw 22* engages the valve stem 24 to hol the valve open. However, when the lever 2 is moved to open the clutch 44, either b the action of the shelf 17 or by means 0 the foot treadle 34, the screw 22" releases the valve stem 24 and permits the valveto open.

What I claim as' my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a washing machine, a conveyor for carryin the articles bein washed through the mac ine, means for driving the conveyor, a shelf for receiving the washed articles from the conveyor and movable relatively thereto, and means controlled by the movement of said shelf for rendering said driving means inoperative.

2. In a washing machine, a conveyor for carryin the articles being washed through the machine, means for driving the conveyor,

, a shelf for receiving the washed articles from the conveyor and movable relatively thereto and means controlled by the movement of said shelf from its normal position whereby the drivin means is rendered inoperative, said secon -mentioned means preventing the starting of the conveyor by said driving means untilthe shelf is returned to its normal osition.

3. n a washing machine, a conve or for carryin the articles being washed t ough the mac ine, means for driving the conveyor, a shelf for receiving the washed articles from the conveyor and movable relatively thereto, means controlled by the movement of said shelf from its normal position whereby the driving means is rendered inoperative. and means for yieldingly kee ing said shelf in its normal position and or returning it to said positionafter movement therefrom.

4. In a washing machine, a conveyor for,

carrying the articles being washed through the machine, means for driving the conveyor, a pivotally mounted shelf for receiving the washed articles from the conve or, means for yieldingly keeping said she] in its normal position adjacent the conveyor but permitting it to be moved outwardly away from the conveyor upon the application of more than a predetermined force, and means controlled by said outward movement of the shelf for rendering the conveyor driving means inoperative.

5. In a washing machine, a conveyor for carryin the articles being. washed through the mac ine, means for deliverin a supply of cleansing fluids against artic es on the conveyor, means for driving the conveyor,

ment of said shelf for rendering said driving means inoperative without stopping the fluid delivering means.

6. In a Washing machine, a conveyor for carrying the articles being washed through the machine, means for treating said articles with a. heating fluid, means for moving the conveyor, a device for engaging the washed articles at the discharge end of the conveyor and movable relatively thereto, and means controlled by the movement of said device for rendering said heating fluid treating means and said driving means inoperative.

7. In a washing machine, a frame having a lurality of stations at which the articles being washed are successively treated with washing and heating fluids, a conveyor for carrying the articles past said stations,

means for driving said conveyor, means forrespectively delivering washing and heating fluids against said articles, a shelf for receiving thewashed and heated articles from the conveyor and movable relatively thereto. and means controlled by the movement of said shelf for simultaneously rendering said conveyor driving means and said heating fluid delivering means inoperative.

8. In a washing machine, the combination of a conveyor for carrying through the machine the articles to be washed, means for driving the conveyor, a tank for containing washing liquid, pump means for forcibly delivering liquid from the tank against the articles on the conveyor in a manner permitting the return of the said liquid to the tank, meansfor starting and stopping the conveyor independently of the pump means, and a treadle near the floor at the delivery end of the conveyor in position to be engaged by the foot of an operator engaged in removing the washed articles from the machine, the said treadle being connected with the starting and stopping means and being movable in one direction to stop the conveyor and in the other direction to start the conveyor.

9. In a washing machine, a conve or for carrying the articles being washed t irough the machine, means for driving the conveyor, a treadle normally movable in one direction to render the driving means operative and in the otherdircction to render the said means ino erative, a shelf for re 10. In a washing machine,-tlie combines,

tion of a conveyor for carrying through the machine the articles to be washed, means fordriving the conveyor, means for washing the said articles while being moved by r the conveyor, a shelf movable relatively to the conveyor and serving to receive the washed articles therefrom, a treadle near the floor at the delivery end of the conveyor in position to be engaged by the foot of an operator engaged in removing the washed articles from the said shelf, the said treadle being movable in one direction to render the driying means operative and in the other direction to render the said means inoperative, and means controlled by the movement of the said shelf in the direction of travel of the conveyor for also rendering the said driving means inoperative.

11. In a washing machine, the combination of a conveyor for carrying through the machine the articles to be washed, means for drivin the conveyor, means for washing the said articles while being moved by the conveyor, a shelf movable relatively to the conveyor and serving to receive the washed articles therefrom, a treadle near the floor at the delivery end of the-conveyor in position to be engaged by the foot of an operator engaged in removing the ;washed articles from the said shelf, the said treadle being movable downward to render the driving means operative and upward to render the said means inoperative, means for automatically moving the said treadle upward when released hylr) the operators foot, and means controlled y the movement of the said shelf in the direction of travel of the conveyor for also rendering the said driving means inoperative. a 12. Ii1 a washing machine, the combination of an endless conveyor for carrying through the machine the articles being washed, means for driving theconveyor, means for-wash,

ing the said articles while bein moved by the conveyor, means for delivemngsterilizing fluid against the articles near the delivery end ofthe conveyor, a shelf movable relatively to the conveyor and serving to receive the washed articles therefrom, mecln anism for controlling the driving means including a manually operable lever movable in one direction to render the driv ing means operative and in the other direction tq render the said means inoperative, means controlled by the movement of the said shelf in the direction of" travel of the conveyor for also rendering the said driving washed, means for driving,the conveyor, means for washing the said articles while being moved by the conveyor, means for starting and stopping ,the conveyor, a manually operable lever, a connecting means he "be washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the article moving part thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, a screen covering a portion of the tank and readily removable therefrom to permit inspection of the-tank or cleaning of the screen, means for receiving liquid from the tank and delivering it against articles being moved by the convey- 'or, and a laterally inclined shield under the ath of the -articles through the machine or receiving the liquid so delivered and returning it laterally onto the said screen and throu h the screen into the tank.

15. n a washing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal open-work conveyor for carrying articles to be washed,

a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a 'supply of cleansing liquid, a screen covering a portion of the tank and readily removable therefrom to permit inspection of thetank or cleaning of the screen, means for receiving liquid from the tank and delivering it against articles on the upper run of the conveyor, and a laterally inclined shield under a portion ofthe' upper run of the conveyor for receiving the liquid so delivered an returning it laterally onto the said screen and through the screen into the tank. a E

16. In a washing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving articles to be washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, a screen covering a portion of the tank and readily removable therefrom to permit inspection of the tank or cleaning of the screen, means for receiving liquid from the tank and delivering i t against articles being moved b the upper run of the conveyor, and a latera y inclined shield under a por. tion of the. upper run of the conveyor and above the lower run of the conveyor liar receiving the liquid so delivered and returning it laterally onto the said screen and through the screen into the tank.

17. In a washing machine, an endless open-work conveyor for carrying the articles being washed through the machine. a drum at each end of the machine over which the conveyor passes, a tank at a side of the conveyor for containing a supply of cleansing liquids, means for forcing said liquids against thearticles being washed, and a laterally inclined shield having upwardly inclined ends, said shield being disposed below the upper run of the conveyor and above the lower run thereof to protect the said lower run and the drums and to drain the cleansing liquids into said tank.

18. In a washing machine, a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving the articles being washed through the machine, a tank at a side of the conveyor for containing the main supply of cleansing liquids, means for delivering said liquids against said articles, a laterally inclined shield disposed between the two runs of the conveyor, said shield being operative to drain the cleansing liquids into said tank, and a second shield below the lower run of the conveyor and also operative to drain liquid into the said tank.

19. In a washing machine, an endless open-work conveyor forcarrying the articles being washed through the machine, a

tank at a side of the conveyor for contain ing the main supply of cleansing liquids, means for delivering said liquids against said articles, a laterally inclined shield disposed between the two runs of the conveyor, said shield being operativeito drain the cleansing liquids into said tank, and transverse partitio'ns projecting upward from the shield toward the upper run of the conveyor and serving to form compartments. 7 20. In a washing machine, the combination of an endless open-work conveyor for carrying through the machinethe articles to be washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, at least one transverse partition in the tank dividing it into at least two separate compartments, means for withdrawing liquids from the respective compartments and delivering them separately against articles on the conveyor, a laterally inclined shield disposed between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor, the said shield being operative to drain the said liquids laterally into the tank, one transverse partition projecting upward from the shield toward the upper run of the conveyor and registering approximately with the first said partition, and at least one other transverse partition above the upper run of the conveyor and registering respectively with the first and second said partitions, the said partitions below and above the upper run of the conve \;'or serving to keep separate from each other the said liquids withdrawn from the respective, tank compartments.

21. In a washing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving articles to be washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, :1 screen covering a portion of the tank and readily removable therefrom to permit inspection of the tank or cleaning of the screen, means for receiving liquid from the tank and delivering it against articles being moved by the upper run of the conveyor, a laterally inclined shield under a portion of the upper run of the conveyor for receiving the liquid so delivered and returning it laterally onto the said screen and through the screen into the tank, and an inclined cover for the tank movable to provide access'to the said screen and the said inclined shield.

22. In a washing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving articles to be washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and be low the level of the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, driving means for the conveyor located vertically below it, pump means also vertically below the conveyor for receiving liquid from the tank and delivering it against articles being moved by the upper run of the conveyor, and a laterally inclined shield under a portion of the upper run of the conveyor and above the pump means for re ceiving the liquid so delivered and returning it laterally into the tank.

23. In awashing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving articles to be washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, a screen covering a portion of the tank and readily removable therefrom to permit inspection of the tank or cleaning of the screen, driving means for the conveyor located vertically below it, pump means also vertically below the conveyor for receiving liquid from the tank and delivering it against articles being moved by the upper run of the conveyor, and a laterally inclined shield under a portion of the upper run of the conveyor and above the pump means for receiving the liquid so delivered and returning it laterally onto the said screen and through the screen into the tank.

24. In a washing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving through the machine the articles being washed, a tank at one side lllb lib

of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a, supply of cleansing liquid, means for withdrawing liquid from the respective compartments and delivering it against articles being moved by the conveyor, the said means including spray devices above and below the upper run of the conveyor and supply pipes for the spray devices extending vertically along the side of the casing which is opposite the said tank, and a laterally inclined shield disposed between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor, the said shield being operative to drain the said liquid laterally into the tank.

25. In a washing machine, a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving the articles being washed through the machine, a casing-enclosing the conveyor and having an inspection opening at one side, a tank at the said side of the casing and the conveyor and below the level of the upper run of the latter for containing the main supply of cleansing liquids, means for delivering said liquids against said articles, the said means including supply pipes located at the side of the casing opposite the inspection opening, and a laterally inclined shield under a portion of the conveyor, said shield being operative to drain the cleansing liquids into said tank.

26. In a washing machine, a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving the articles being washed through the machine, a tank for containing a sup ly of cleansing liquids and having a plura ity of compartments therein, spray devices oorrespondin in number to the compartments of the tani and positioned to direct the cleansing liquids against the articles being moved by the conveyor, a-pump mechanism including a plurality of separate rotatable impellers corresponding in number to the said compartments and spray devices together with a shaft for carrying and driving the several impellers and a means'for supporting the shaft and for separately enclosing the several impellers, and separate pipe connections from the tank compartments to the respective enclosing means for the respective impellers and from the said enclosing means to the respective spray devices.

27. In a washing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for carrying throughthe machine the articles being washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, spray devices positioned to direct cleansing liquid against articles on the conveyor, a laterally inclined shield disposed between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor, the said shield being operative to drain the said liquid laterally into the tank, a pump for delivering the'liquid from the tank to the spray devices, the said pump being vertically below the conveyor and having its main shaft extending longitudinally, means for driving the conveyor including a speed reducing mechanism havin a main shaft aligned with and connecte with the pump shaft, and a single means for operatin both of the said shafts.

Signe by me at Hartford, Connecticut, this twenty-eighth day of July, 1921.

ELBERT L. COUCH.

above numbered misspelled word "wth" of the conveyor and below the level 01 the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, means for withdrawin liquid from the respective compartments an delivering it against articles being moved by the conveyor, the said means including spray devices above and below the upper run of the conveyor and supply pipes for the spray devices extending vertically along the side of the casing which is opposite the said tank, and a laterally inclined shield disposed between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor, the said shield being operative to drain the said liquid laterally into the tank.

25. In a washing machine, a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving the articles being washed through the machine, a Casing enclosing the conveyor and having an inspection opening at one side, a tank at the said side of the casing and the conveyor and below the level of the upper run of the latter for containing the main supply of cleansing liquids, means for delivering said 5 liquids against said articles, the said means including supply pipes located at the side of the casing opposite the inspection opening. and a laterally inclined shield under a portion of the conveyor, said shield being operative to drain the cleansing liquids into said tank.

26. In a Washing machine, a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for moving the articles being Washed through the machine, a tank for containing a supply of cleansing liquids and having a plurality of compartments therein, spray devices correspondin in number to the compartments of the tank and positioned to direct the cleansing liquids against the articles being moved by the conveyor, apump mechanism including a plurality of separate rotatable impellers correspondin in number to the said compartments and spray devices together with a shaft for carrying and driving the several in'ipcllers and a means'for supporting the shaft and for separately enclosing the several impellers, and separate pipe connections from the tank compartments to the respective enclosing means for the respective impellers and from the said enclosing means to the respective spray devices.

27. In a washing machine, the combination of a substantially horizontal endless conveyor for carrying throughthe machine the articles being washed, a tank at one side of the conveyor and below the level of the upper run thereof for containing a supply of cleansing liquid, spray devices positioned to direct cleansing liquid against articles on the conveyor, a laterally inclined shield disposed between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor, the said shield being operative to drain the said liquid laterally into the tank, a pump for delivering the liquid from the tank to th spray devices, the said pump being vertically below the conveyor and having its main shaft extending longitudinally, means for driving the conveyor including a speed reducing mechanism having a main shaft aligned with and connected with the pump shaft, and a single means for operating both of the said shafts.

Signed by me at Hartford, Connecticut, this twenty-eighth day of July, 1921.

ELBERT L. COUCH.

CERTIFlCAlE or CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,640,693.

Granted August, 30, 1927, to

rumor L. coucn.

It is hereby patent read "with"' he one in the Patent Office.

certified that-error appears in the requiring correction as follows: 'I I page 9, line 59 claim one nsert the words "at least"; and that the aid Letter read with these corrections printed specification oL'the page 4, linc 36,- for the 20. before tlleword o Potent should be therein that the name may conform to the record of Signed and cooled this 4th dayof October. A. D. 1927.

Seal.

II. J. lloore, Acting Commiooioncr of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,640,693. Granted August, 30, 1927, to

ELBERT L. COUCH.

It is hereby certified that-error appears in the printed specification of-the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: page 4. line 36,- for the misspelled word "wth" read "with"; page 9, line 59, claim 20, before the word "one" insert the words "at least"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 4th day of October, A. D. 1927.

M. J. llosre, Seal. Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

